Thamel is packed with trekking shops, and competition keeps prices much lower than at home. A warm jacket that costs a lot abroad can be a fraction of the price in Nepal, but you need to know what to look for.
What to expect
Most of what you see is locally made or imported without a brand name. Items that carry a famous outdoor label are very often imitations unless you buy them at an official store. Forget the logo and judge the product itself.
Inspect before you pay
- Zips: open and close them several times. Larger zips tend to last longer, and loose thread around the zip is a bad sign.
- Stitching: look for even, straight seams without hanging threads.
- Straps and clips: on a backpack, pull the points where the straps join the bag and check they feel strong.
- Fabric: do not trust labels such as Gore-Tex. Feel the weight and look at how the fabric is woven.
Good buys and weaker buys
Locally made wool hats and mittens are excellent value. Down jackets can be good if you choose carefully, but check the fill and the seams. Boots deserve extra caution, because a bad fit ruins a trek. If you can, bring your own broken-in boots.
Touts and commissions
People who offer to lead you to a shop usually earn a commission, and it is added to your price. If you want help, ask your operator's staff to take you to shops they trust.
Bargaining
Bargaining is normal. Start well below the asking price, settle somewhere in the middle and be ready to walk away. Practise on a small item first. Prices are better when the seller does not think you are in a hurry.
Rent instead?
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented for the trek, which makes sense if you will not use them again. Check the cleanliness and warmth.
A shopping plan that saves time
Before you start, make a list of what you actually need and check it against what you already own. Visit a few shops to compare prices and quality, then return to the one that offered the best value. Allow a morning or an afternoon, not a few minutes. Try on boots with the socks you plan to wear, and walk around the shop. Take your time with sleeping bags and jackets, since they are the most important purchases.
How to judge quality
Look at the stitching, zips, seams and fabric. Down jackets should feel light, lofty and evenly filled, and a good shop will tell you the fill weight. Genuine branded items are usually available from authorised stores, while less expensive local brands can be perfectly good for non-critical items. Be cautious about very low prices for items that claim to be expedition quality, because performance can be disappointing in real cold.
Renting versus buying
If you only trek once, renting a sleeping bag and down jacket is often sensible. Check the condition, cleanliness and warmth rating, and ask whether there is a deposit and what happens if the item is damaged. Buying is better for items that touch your skin, such as socks and base layers, and for boots that must fit perfectly. A mix of renting and buying usually gives the best balance of cost and comfort.
Final tips
- Ask your operator to recommend reputable shops, and be wary of anyone steering you to a particular store.
- Bargain politely, and be ready to walk away.
- Check that zips and buckles work before leaving the shop.
- Keep receipts in case you need to exchange an item.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“Garba Rai was the best I could have hoped for.”
